Fort Erie Bills Backers scoring big for charities since 2023

The Fort Erie Bills Backers have been in the end zone for charities since 2023.

A group that’s officially recognized by the Buffalo Bills organization, the Fort Erie contingent has close to 3,000 members in a Facebook group, many of them coming together at events and online fundraisers to help people in need.

Since being established, the Fort Erie branch of Bills Mafia (the nickname for fans of the NFL team) has raised about $25,000 for local, national and international causes, said leader Carrie McNeill during a breakfast event Sunday–before the Bills would go on to stomp the Carolina Panthers 40-9 that afternoon.

The group sells squares each week, with half the money going to a winner and the other half going into the causes it supports.

There are golf tournaments and ongoing raffles, including a Christmas raffle, that bring in money for the group. Two local families will each receive a “big envelope full of gift cards” for the holidays, said McNeill, as about 60 people met at The Runaround on Courtwright Street.

There are Bills Backers groups across North America, all of them connected to a bar or restaurant.

South Coast Cookhouse in Crystal Beach is the Fort Erie Bills Backers official establishment, a place Bills fans gather at often for events.

Last year, they donated money to the family of a local child who was seriously injured after being struck in the face with a golf club, McNeill said.

“We look for special causes to support.”

The idea started a few years ago when she heard about other branches in the country, and decided to apply to start one locally.

“It just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” she said, adding many members of the Fort Erie group are from other parts of Niagara.

The group has membership cards that can be used to receive discounts at several local businesses. Its float in the annual Fort Erie Santa Claus Parade has also become a tradition.

Steve and Tamara Dickison were enjoying breakfast during Sunday’s game day event.

“There’s so much camaraderie,” said Steve, who looks forward to participating in next month’s Santa parade.

Tamara said being involved in the group has had social benefits for them as a couple.

“We’ve made a lot of friends through this group,” she said.

Local causes that have benefitted from the Fort Erie Bills Backers include Community Outreach Program Erie, Fort Erie Festivals, Team Frosty and others.

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